In an era where digital banking reigns supreme and AI chatbots answer customer service calls, Enterprise Bank & Trust is taking a refreshingly human approach to commercial banking—and its clients are noticing the difference. "When you walk into the Kirkwood banking center, you are greeted by people, not kiosks. You'll never be told you need an appointment to do business. It feels like a community bank," said Jason Craft, branch manager at Enterprise Bank & Trust in Kirkwood, which is located on Kirkwood Road, in front of Target.
What sets Enterprise Bank & Trust in Kirkwood apart?
"We are built on trusted, personal relationships, so our bankers do what we say we're going to do and honor our commitments," said Jason. "But more than that, we are out serving our community." Enterprise bankers spend less time behind desks and more time in their clients' businesses.
Jason discussed his recent visit to Auto Art, where the owners, Robert Williams and Nick DiStefano, were delighted to showcase their significant investments in modernizing the facility. "Robert and Nick were eager about their new spray booths and other equipment," said Jason. "They were so happy, and I got to be part of that excitement."
The relationship-focused approach pays dividends when businesses face critical transitions. When Auto Art's original owner wanted someone to take on his legacy, Jason and his team weren't just processing paperwork—they were facilitating a meaningful transition based on understanding the business's value beyond the balance sheet.
"If all you're talking about are numbers and figures, then you're not really doing your job," Jason shared, quoting a former mentor. "We spent most of our visit at Auto Art talking about the history surrounding that business and what it means to everyone working on the Auto Art team," Jason said. His favorite part of the customer visit was discussing Nick's upcoming wedding this weekend and the Model T he's arriving in. "You build relationships by leading with heart and hard work, and the rest will follow."
This relationship-centered banking creates significant advantages when businesses need additional capital or to navigate during uncertainty. "We spend time with you more meaningfully; larger financial institutions don't," explained Jason. "Our relationships create the foundations for helping businesses expand and scale."
This approach offers a compelling alternative for business owners tired of being treated like account numbers rather than people with dreams and challenges. By taking the time to understand clients' passions and witnessing firsthand the investments they've made, Jason and his team at Enterprise Bank & Trust position themselves as partners in their clients' journeys rather than just service providers.
Enterprise's commitment extends beyond individual client relationships to deep community involvement. The bank's leadership, including CEO Jim Lally, who raised his family in Kirkwood, maintains strong local ties. Jason is a Kirkwood—Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador who also participates in events for the Kirkwood School District Foundation and the Kirkwood Public Library. Enterprise Bank & Trust is also honored to be one of the sponsors of Glendale's newest community event, The Glendale Summer Bash at Glendale City Hall, on June 13th from 7 - 10 p.m.
This high-touch approach reminds us that behind every successful business transaction lies something fundamentally human: relationships built on genuine interest, mutual respect, and shared community values.
People can bank anywhere and choose Enterprise Bank & Trust because, together, there's no stopping you.